But with an Intelligence Value of just 61, Tan You couldn’t exactly dominate the field. She had been studying for a long time while also dabbling in other subjects, so her current computer skills were only average.

The movie was two and a half hours long, and Tan You sat there quietly, watching it from beginning to end. She hadn’t just handed over a random script; she had specifically chosen it to suit the actors. ’Looks like my judgment isn’t half bad, huh?’

Director Hu blew his nose with a loud HONK. "Not half bad? I think it has the potential to soar."

Tan You immediately understood what Director Hu meant. "That has nothing to do with me."

Director Hu rolled his eyes. ’So she’s not denying it this time, huh?’

When the movie ended, the director and cast went to the front of the theater to speak. Tan You remained in her seat, watching them. She didn’t envy the people in the spotlight one bit. ’I’ve experienced all this before,’ she thought. ’Honestly, besides feeding your ego, there isn’t much else to it.’

Seeing people in the theater begin to leave, Tan You nudged Sister Yun. "Should we get going?"

"I don’t think you’ll be able to leave so easily," Sister Yun said. "The award-winning actor, Xie Yunzhi, is here."

Tan You looked up and her eyes met Xie Yunzhi’s. ’Well, fine,’ she thought. ’He’s already on his way over. I can’t just walk out on him.’

But somehow, in the course of their conversation, they ended up at a hotpot restaurant. The situation had taken a strange turn.

The director clinked his glass against Tan You’s. "When Little Xie first brought me the script, I knew I had to meet you. To be honest, the camerawork was described in such meticulous detail, it was like the script was written by a director. Director Tang, you have a phenomenal talent."

’Isn’t that just what picture composition is all about?’ Tan You thought. ’You have to describe every little detail, don’t you?’

"It’s my friend’s script," Tan You said. "She just has a very active imagination."

The director let out a laugh, not pressing the issue. "Director Tang, if your friend has another script this good in the future, you have to think of me first..."

Tan You played along. "Of course. Director Liu, your directing is superb. My friend would be confident that you wouldn’t let a gem gather dust."

Director Liu roared with laughter. "Director Tang, you’re so wonderfully direct. We’ll have to collaborate more often in the future."

You Li and Xie Yunzhi came over, both of them flushed with success. This was partly from having starred in such an excellent film, and partly from their bright future prospects.

You Li was the first to speak. "Even though I’ve been tied up with filming, I’ve heard that Director Tang has been shaking things up again."

"I wouldn’t call it ’shaking things up.’ I’m just dabbling in a few small projects, and it’s all thanks to everyone’s cooperation." Tan You was being deliberately modest. ’It wasn’t a one-person job; it was a team effort.’

You Li really admired this quality in Tan You. "I heard Director Liu has big ambitions and has already submitted the film to international competitions."

Tan You smiled. "I’m sure there are plenty of people with a discerning eye. The film truly is excellent."

As a former Best Picture award winner herself, Tan You didn’t think Director Liu was wrong. Even though this wasn’t the same world, with the same actors, or even the same director, Tan You still couldn’t find a single fault with the film.

A smile lit up Xie Yunzhi’s eyes. "Let’s hope your auspicious words come true. No wonder you and Director Liu hit it off so well."

"I’m just stating facts," Tan You said. "I’m fully aware of all the hard work everyone poured into this."

Even with his years of experience, You Li’s breath hitched when he heard the news. He regained his composure a few moments later and chuckled self-deprecatingly. "I must be getting old. My composure isn’t what it used to be."

"Not at all," Tan You corrected. "I think it’s just that everyone is incredibly eager to win that award. It’s only natural to yearn for a bigger stage and more impartial recognition."

"Little Tang, you have such a clear perspective on things," You Li said with a sigh of admiration. "Next time your friend has a good script, please think of me, as long as I’m still able to act."

"You’re being too modest," said Tan You, who also felt a rapport with him. "The way you’re built, Teacher You, you’ll still be filming when you’re ninety."

You Li’s mood brightened considerably at her words. He chuckled. "Do you have any idea how many people have their eyes on you right now?"

"I know," said Tan You. "And once Teacher You and Xie Yunzhi win their awards, I’m sure even more people will be watching me. But I’m just a variety show producer. It’s hard enough to truly master this one line of work."

Xie Yunzhi added, "The variety shows you’ve produced so far have all gotten great reviews. By the way, shouldn’t we start preparing for season two of the intangible cultural heritage show? Though, I’ve noticed there are a lot of similar programs out there now."

"Then we don’t have to do that kind," Tan You replied. "We could film a slow-paced variety show."

"A slow-paced variety show?" Director Hu, who had been eavesdropping for who knows how long, leaned in. "Tell me more."

Tan You said with a sigh of resignation, "How do you end up in every conversation? Director Hu, aren’t you still filming your dating show?"

"Hey, it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead! Director Tang... I mean, Sister Li Zi, give me the details! Besides, we’re a golden team..."

"Let’s talk about it later," Tan You said. "It’s just a concept for now. And we’d have to see if Xie Yunzhi and Teacher You are even available."

"I’ll definitely have time," You Li piped up immediately. "Being on one of Little Tang’s shows is so relaxing. It’s like being on vacation."

Xie Yunzhi said, "I rarely do variety shows, but if it’s one of Director Tang’s, I certainly wouldn’t refuse."

Tan You just smiled. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I still have two unfinished shows on my plate, and don’t you two have to go on a promotional tour for the movie? Even if we wanted to film a slow-paced show, it would be at least two months away."

"The company hasn’t greenlit anything, and all of this takes time."

You Li chuckled. "Alright then, I’ll just reserve my spot with you in advance, Little Tang. You know, in all my years, I’ve found I get along with you the best."

Tan You smiled. "I feel the same. Teacher You is brilliant without being ostentatious, a man of great depth and wisdom."

The people at the dinner were all part of the film’s cast and crew, so word that Tan You was planning a new variety show naturally reached the ears of some interested parties. It wasn’t easy to land a spot on a good variety show these days, especially one with a highly reputable producer and director.

As it happened, Tan You and Director Hu fit that description perfectly. Several of the celebrities present immediately felt their minds begin to race with possibilities.

Truth be told, not all film actors kept a low profile. At the end of the day, everyone needed to make a living, and plenty of them chose to do variety shows. It was just that they were all protective of their reputations and were therefore very selective.

Tan You had assumed her conversation with You Li was just idle chatter, but right as the dinner party ended, she got a call from Chairman Wang.

Tan You couldn’t help but sigh. "Did you plant a spy on me? How is your information network so fast?"

Chairman Wang refused to take the blame. "The entertainment industry is a small circle. People didn’t feel right calling you directly, so they called me instead. So, Li Zi, when will you have the proposal for that slow-paced variety show ready?"

Tan You rolled her eyes. Seeing Sister Yun wave her over, she took a few steps in her direction. "Why don’t you just clone me? Besides, the company doesn’t even have the staff to spare right now."

"And Teacher You and Xie Yunzhi still have to promote the movie. For the time being, even if I had a proposal ready, there’d be no time to film."

"Plus, I have to be on set for the dating show..."